I just replaced the engine in my Yamaha Waverunner III. I have had skis for 15 years, but other than routine maintenance, have never worked on them internally. When my current motor went due to overheating, my local dealer wanted $2700 for a rebuild. Started looking around on the web and found several possible alternatives to dealer rebuild. Decided on going with SBT - at this time one of the best decisions I have made in the past several years.
SBT has been great. Tech support first rate (response to my specific questions was great/timely), delivery of my engine on time and ease of returning the old core made it a dream. The removal/installation guide provided by SBT is excellent. For anyone contemplating swapping out your engine and maybe feeling intimidated - don't be afraid. With only minimal tools, ability to read at a 3rd grade level, and only an ounce of patience, no reason you can't swap it out yourself. I put my motor in last week and am just getting through the break-in period. To this point, motor seems to be performing great. To date, I have been extremely pleased with the SBT experience. This past weekend, I ran across a hull with ruined motor. I am considering buying the hull and putting in an SBT motor just to have a spare ski - that is how reasonable the prices at SBT are and how easy it is to swap out the motor.
I went back to my dealer and suggested he consider installing SBT rebuilds over rebuilding himself. I think it would be a win-win for all. At the very least, give the customer the option. In my case, the ski is an older ski, but I have had it since new and the ski is in like-new condition. However, from a financial perspective, I may have been better off to buy a new one than invest $2700 in a rebuild.
Thanks to SBT for making my decision easy. If the durability of the motor is anywhere near as great as the service provided by SBT to date, I'll be ecstatic.
SBT has been great. Tech support first rate (response to my specific questions was great/timely), delivery of my engine on time and ease of returning the old core made it a dream. The removal/installation guide provided by SBT is excellent. For anyone contemplating swapping out your engine and maybe feeling intimidated - don't be afraid. With only minimal tools, ability to read at a 3rd grade level, and only an ounce of patience, no reason you can't swap it out yourself. I put my motor in last week and am just getting through the break-in period. To this point, motor seems to be performing great. To date, I have been extremely pleased with the SBT experience. This past weekend, I ran across a hull with ruined motor. I am considering buying the hull and putting in an SBT motor just to have a spare ski - that is how reasonable the prices at SBT are and how easy it is to swap out the motor.
I went back to my dealer and suggested he consider installing SBT rebuilds over rebuilding himself. I think it would be a win-win for all. At the very least, give the customer the option. In my case, the ski is an older ski, but I have had it since new and the ski is in like-new condition. However, from a financial perspective, I may have been better off to buy a new one than invest $2700 in a rebuild.
Thanks to SBT for making my decision easy. If the durability of the motor is anywhere near as great as the service provided by SBT to date, I'll be ecstatic.
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